44 Days in Paradise: Starting the New Year in Aruba 🇦🇼☀️
There’s starting the New Year off right… and then there’s starting it with 44 straight days in Aruba 🌴
From December 30th deep into Carnival season, this wasn’t just a trip. It was a full journey. Beaches. Sunrises. Hikes. Scuba dives. Pastechi runs. Chef dinners. Wild waves. Jouvert morning. And more content than I can realistically edit in one sitting.
If you’ve ever wondered what 44 days in paradise actually looks like, here’s the recap.
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The Pastechi Tour 🥟
You already know I don’t mess around when it comes to pastechi. The hunt for the best pastechi on the island is always on.
Stops included Eduardo’s Pastechi, Cmart Pastechi & Pizza, Moko Pastechi, RK Pastechi, Chito & Chenta Pastechi, Bright Bakery, Old Dutch Bakery, Noord Pastry, Panaderia El Campo and more.
Ham and cheese. Chicken. Beef. Some ultra crispy. Some soft and fluffy. Some absolute game changers 🔥
There may or may not be an official Aruba Buddy Pastechi ranking list coming soon 👀
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Hooiberg Everything 🏔
Hooiberg became a regular part of the routine.
Hooiberg FBWUG
Hooiberg Sisters
Hooiberg Steady Eddy n Barbie
Sunrise climbs 🌅
Sunset climbs 🌇
“Why am I doing this again?” climbs
Forty-four days means a lot of steps. But that 360-degree view never disappoints.
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Ocean Adventures 🌊
This trip was heavy on adventure.
Natural Pool
Caves in Arikok
Malmok snorkeling 🤿
Mike Palm Beach dive
Pure Divers
Monforte Cruise
Lighthouse sunsets
An “Angry Ocean Day” with some serious waves 🌬🌊
Even a fish feet experience 😂
Aruba always keeps things interesting.
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Wildlife and Island Gems 🦉🐢
Aruba isn’t just beaches and restaurants.
Shoco owls 🦉
Sgt Pepper’s animal rescue 🐶
Philip’s Animal Garden
Bee Haven 🐝
Alto Vista Chapel
Old Man by the Sea
Some of the best moments happen when you slow down and explore beyond the resort strip.
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The Restaurant Tour 🍽🔥
This might deserve its own full guide, but here’s just some of where we ate:
Ego
Azar
Lima Bistro
The Vue
Madame Janette
Driftwood
Wacky Wahoo
Taste My Aruba
Liquid Chef
Red Anchor
Baccus
Ritual
Bel Smokehouse
Pho Maison
AYO
Olivia
Old Cunucu House
Mythos
Italy in the World
Papia Mia
Perfetto Import
North End Pub
Waters Edge
Malmok Grill
Boardwalk Cafe
Magu Burger
Fusion
Fire & Flames
Tandoor
Waffles
Koko
Kokoa
Gaia
Pepe Nacho
Porto Pizza
Pizza Italia
La Granja
Amore Mio
Bugaloe
Bohemian
Bar 25
Rum Reef
Fireson Brewery
And yes… Chicken Parm Tour Part 2 happened 🍗🔥
From fine dining to beach bars to late-night bites, Aruba’s food scene continues to impress.
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Carnival and New Year’s Energy 🎉🥂
We rang in the New Year at Top of the Rock.
Then came Jouvert Morning 🎭
Carnival vibes across the island
Beach bar nights 🍹
Patriots games at North End Pub 🏈
Masterpiece Tattoo session 🖋
Go karting 🏎
Red Anchor rum nights 🥃
Sleep was optional. Memories were not.
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The Journey 💭
Forty-four days in Aruba isn’t just about food and fun.
It’s early mornings.
It’s cold plunges 🧊
It’s editing late at night.
It’s meeting locals.
It’s supporting small businesses.
It’s building ArubaBuddy.com into something bigger every single trip.
This platform has never just been about content. It’s about community, connection, and showing Aruba the right way.
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What’s Coming Next 🚀
There is a ton of content in the vault.
Full restaurant breakdowns
Pastechi rankings
Dive footage
Natural Pool adventures
Wildlife features
Beach guides
Hidden gems
Interviews
If you think 44 days was a lot… just wait until it all starts dropping.
Stay tuned to ArubaBuddy.com and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for all things Aruba 🇦🇼☀️
New Year. Forty-four days. Paradise.
And we’re just getting started 🔥🌴
